Kiana Burton: Of Crime, Solitude, and the Courage to Keep On
Episode #0026
What do tattoos, nihilism, and Reddit usernames have in common? If you're Kiana Burton, quite a bit.
In this strikingly open conversation, Canadian paralegal and philosophy enthusiast Kiana joins Paul Puscas for a no-holds-barred exploration of human nature, grief, solitude, and the very essence of right and wrong. It’s one of those rare interviews where you stop mid-listen just to think. Or maybe, to feel.
Between Windsor and the World
Kiana grew up in Windsor, Ontario—right at Canada’s edge with Detroit. And like many border towns, her story is stitched together with both contrast and overlap. She recalls a childhood full of fresh air and community vibes—bike rides, backyard chatter, real human connection. “It wasn’t perfect,” she says, “but I felt safe.” Today, that same Windsor is battling increased crime, human trafficking, and a loss of innocence that feels almost symbolic of a broader societal shift.
And yet, Kiana is anything but cynical. She's perceptive—painfully so. “Most things that are beautiful are terrifying,” she notes late in the episode. And that’s kind of the core of this conversation.
Losing Her Father—and Choosing to Continue
One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Kiana recounts the loss of her father, her best friend. “I remember asking myself: either you give up, or you keep going.” That inner dialogue—simple, raw, and existential—is something many listeners might recognize but rarely articulate.
She didn’t just survive grief. She carried it. She kept her father alive in her memory, found companionship in a new puppy, and leaned into the kind of solitude that doesn’t feel lonely—but sacred.
The Solitude We Forgot to Love
Speaking of solitude, Kiana makes a quiet yet resonant case for why we need more of it.
“In a queue for two minutes, we pick up our phones,” she says. “We don’t allow ourselves to be alone anymore.” This hits harder than expected—especially when paired with her reflections on dumb scrolling, performative happiness, and the pressure to be "liked."
It’s not a lecture. It’s a mirror.
From Canada’s overpriced domestic travel scene to why she’ll never join TikTok, Kiana blends intellect and instinct in a way that’s disarmingly real. Her background in criminology, criminal law, and philosophy shows—but never overpowers the human behind the titles.
On Human Nature, Tattoos, and TikTok Fame
“Are people inherently good or evil?” Paul asks toward the end. Kiana doesn’t dodge. “I think good is a choice. Evil feels more natural.”
She shares reflections on the justice system, societal norms, and the cases that linger long after the courtroom closes. And yes, she also talks tattoos—why they’re still taboo in places like Japan and Romania, and why they remain one of her purest forms of self-expression.
She’s sharp, thoughtful, and refreshingly unfiltered. Whether she’s quoting philosophers, unpacking the role of spirituality, or questioning what makes a relationship work, Kiana’s words land with the weight of someone who’s thought deeply—and lived deeply too.
Final Thought: Life Is a Series of Choices and Consequences
That’s one of Kiana’s core beliefs. Not dramatic, not revolutionary—but utterly grounding. And in a world sprinting for status, validation, and screen time, it’s the kind of reminder that quietly rearranges your mental furniture.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re here, why people do what they do, or whether you’re living life for yourself or just for show—this episode is for you.
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